BNP-M protests against killing of journalists

QUETTA: Balochistan National Party (Mengal) staged a protest demonstration outside Quetta Press Club on Wednesday against the targeted killing of journalists and an alleged operation in Gomazi area of Turbat.

The protestors were holding banners and placards in their hands inscribed with various slogans.

Addressing the protestors, Agha Hassain Baloch, Akhter Hussein Langove, Ghulam Nabi Marri and others said that force was used to suppress the voices raised for the achievements of the rights and the clear exhibition of this was the use of force in Gomazi area of Turbat. They said that as many as thirteen Baloch political activists have been killed during this operation.

They said that on one hand the rulers sit on talk shows and claim that no force was used in Balochistan and on the other hand force was used in the Chief Minsiter’s own constituency.

They said that in complete denial of their rights, “favourite persons were handed over the government through fake mandates and a massive rigging” and added that the religious extremism is being deliberately promoted to sabotage the national cause in Balochistan.

They said that the Zikri Baloch were also killed in this regard to give the impression that the Baloch people are extremists, adding that but the fact is otherwise as Baloch are democratic and liberal people with a history of thousands of years.

They also regretted the killing of journalist Irashad Mastoi, Ghulam Rasool and accountant Muhammad Younas.

They said that if the federal government had acted upon the six points Akhter Mengal provided, the situation would have been far better in Balochistan.